Shell Chemical LP to increase alpha olefins production

Shell Chemical LP has announced the final investment decision to increase alpha olefins (AO) production at its chemical manufacturing site in Geismar, Louisiana. This will make the site the largest AO producer in the world.

Shell will build a fourth AO unit, adding 425 000 t of capacity. The chemical site is used in the production of stronger and lighter polyethylene plastic for packaging and bottles, as well as engine and industrial oils and drilling fluids.

"This important investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the growth potential in chemicals," said Graham van't Hoff, Executive Vice President for Royal Dutch Shell plc's global Chemicals business. "With the investment in new, profitable facilities, Shell Chemicals is well placed to respond to increased global customer demand for linear alpha olefins. We have strong technology, advantaged ethylene feedstock from nearby Norco and Deer Park sites, and operational flexibility to allow us to respond to market conditions."

Construction of the new unit is expected to start in 1Q16. The new capacity brings the total AO production at Shell's Geismar site to more than 1.3 million tpy and the site will also produce alcohols, ethoxylates, ethylene oxide and ethylene glycols.

The Shell Geismar Chemical Plant is located next to the Mississippi River, approxiamtely 20 miles south of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is a stand-alone chemicals manufacturing plant, operated by Shell Chemical LP. In addition to Geismar, Shell produces AO at Stanlow in the UK, operated by Essar Oil (UK) Ltd on Shell's behalf as part of an integrated oil refinery and petrochemicals site.